HIV infection: challenges for dialysis personnel

Patients with human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection who also require dialysis present a complex constellation of challenges for dialysis personnel. The major challenges that health care providers (HCPs) face when working with HIV-infected patients are related to overcoming personal fears and to adapting to HIV-specific patient care needs. Dialysis personnel who encounter these concerns do so with a background of experience that has prepared them to cope effectively with HIV disease in the dialysis setting. This article explores the problems of occupational exposure to HIV and chronic health care issues common to patients with HIV infection and renal disease.